Given the huge monetary cuts that shoe firms have remodeled the previous few years, impartial AAU tournaments are again on the rise. Every area has quite a lot of native promoters who not solely mix “Mother and Pop” groups who’re simply giving youngsters a useful resource to go play, but additionally carry a few of the nation’s most interesting shoe sponsored groups collectively beneath one roof to battle it out. Operating 12 months spherical tournaments all through the east coast, Huge Photographs did precisely that with the 2023 Rock The Rock.
Held in conjecture with ESPN Nationwide Recruiting analyst Paul Biancardi, the Rock The Rock introduced lots of the prime groups from Carolina and past beneath one roof on the Rock Hill Sports activities and Occasion Heart. There was no scarcity of hostility between quite a lot of the groups as a consequence of native rivalries, video games have been loopy aggressive, and the expertise degree was splendid for an impartial occasion.
Listed here are a few of the standouts from the 2023 Huge Photographs Rock The Rock:
Sadiq White, 6’8, SF/PF, Crew United 16U, 2025One of probably the most versatile gamers within the class of 2025 on the defensive finish, White defended all 5 positions at spurts at Rock The Rock. The lefty from Myers Park HS is contemporary off a state title, was an explosive straight line driver, and was an absolute monster in transition. A prime 25 participant within the rising junior class, White may have his selection of nearly any faculty within the nation to play his faculty hoops.
Chris Washington Jr., 6’8, SF, Tre Mann Elite 15U, 2026As far as long run potential is anxious, Washington Jr. is true there with the perfect within the freshman class. The lanky swingman is artistic off the dribble, has insane 3-point vary, and has the flexibility to play numerous positions. The freshman already holds quite a few D1 provides and is following Tre Mann’s footsteps as subsequent in line at The Villages College in Florida.
Zymicah Wilkins, 6’8, PF, Crew United 16U, 2025In phrases of manufacturing, there aren’t many higher within the class of 2025 than Wilkins. Whereas it is probably not within the flashiest means, the burly energy ahead punishes defenders by way of absorbing contact for finishes, controlling the glass on each ends, and used his size to influence the sport. Usually in comparison with fellow North Carolina native Montrezl Harrell, Wilkins has the likes of Texas A & M, Mississippi State, and numerous others actively pursuing him.
Gevonte Ware, 6’8, PF, 1 of 1 Uncommon 17U, 2025After controlling the inside for 1 of 1 Prep throughout the highschool season, Ware turned down enjoying for numerous shoe applications to stick with 1 of 1 for the journey bell season as properly. The highly effective huge was an instance of consistency in 1 of 1’s undefeated weekend at Huge Photographs, mixing a ridiculous excessive degree of productiveness with extremely intriguing instruments. Holding excessive main provides, Ware has firmly established himself as one of many elite huge males that North Carolina has to supply for 2025.
Korie Corbett, 6’3, PG, Carolina Rebels 15U, 2026Having heard of him however by no means seen him in particular person, it was nice to see all the pieces Korie Corbett delivered to the desk in Rock Hill. He’s presently second within the EYBL’s E15 division in scoring with the Georgia Stars and carried over that degree of play with the Carolina Rebels. Proudly owning splendid dimension for a lead guard, Corbett is excellent enjoying by means of contact, will get to the paint at will, and finishes with creativity. The South Carolina freshman made an influence at Ridgeview HS in Columbia and has proven that he can do the identical with the nation’s most interesting on the circuit.
Cayden Daughtry, 5’9, PG, Florida Rebels 14U, 2027One of the extra productive guards within the occasion, Daughtry has already been producing on the varsity degree for Somerset Academy in Florida, and was doing the identical enjoying a 12 months up at Huge Photographs. The playmaker was constantly in assault mode, acquired to the paint at will, and produced at a excessive charge all all through the weekend. Florida highschool hoops followers ought to be ready for a really productive profession out of Cayden Daughtry.
Trey Beamer, 6’3, PG, Crew United 15U, 2026A severe scorer, Trey Beamer confirmed that he might put up numbers at a excessive charge on the Carlisle College (VA) and did the identical factor at Rock The Rock. Beamer is a brilliant artful scorer with deep vary, can get two ft within the paint with ease, and has a nasty step by means of. Nonetheless beneath the radar nationally, Beamer has been creating fairly the excitement amidst scouts for Crew United within the EYBL.
Jeff Clark, 6’4, SF, Crew Trezz, 2023Playing as an unsigned senior, Jeff Clark had a merely monster exhibiting towards LaMelo Ball’s 1 of 1 Uncommon. The sleek wing was computerized together with his pullup jumper, transformed as a straight line driver, and shot it properly sufficient from the 3-point line to maintain the protection sincere. Ending up his profession at New Backyard Associates College (NC), Clark is among the Tar Heel State’s extra fascinating gamers left on the board.
